CUTTING METH SUPPLY JUST FIRST STEP

North Carolina lawmakers last year put a key ingredient to
methamphetamine behind the counter at pharmacies. If only the demand
for meth could be shut away as easily.

Some law enforcement agencies have reported that since making meth is
now considerably tougher in North Carolina, the drug is simply being
imported into the state from other illicit sources.

Methamphetamine is a particularly insidious drug. Users reportedly
experience a euphoria to which they quickly become addicted. The more
they use the drug, the more they feel they have to have it.

The drug dries up saliva and often causes users to grind their teeth.
As a result, many users suffer extreme tooth decay, a condtion known
as "meth mouth." The drug affects the body's immune system, making
users more susceptible to disease. Long-term use can cause paranoia
and other psychological issues. In short, it's bad news for anyone
who picks it up.

The N.C. General Assembly last year put popular cold medicines
containing pseudoephedrine behind the counter in drug stores.
Pseudoephedrine is a key ingredient in the making of methamphetamine.
As a result, the number of meth labs busted by law enforcement
officers is down, compared to last year.

Breaking labs is a good start. But as long as there is a demand from
users, meth probably will continue to make its way into North
Carolina. Putting an end to the hunger of addicts, unfortunately,
isn't so easily done.